Honda SA updates its little Brio

Cape Town - Honda’s popular Brio compact hatchback and sedan have undergone a series of updates, designed to add value, convenience and aesthetic appeal to the package, claims the automaker.

Since making its South African debut some three years ago, the Brio models have become a popular choice among new car buyers seeking a compact and affordable motoring solution offering quality, convenience, economy and value, says the automaker.

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Not without changes

Honda says the latest Brio models now boast redesigned front ends, comprising a bolder grille, revised bumper assembly and new headlights. The changes at the rear are more subtle, with revisions to the tail light clusters.

The interior of both the Sedan and Hatchback models has also been refreshed. There's an all-new dashboard, with a sleeker profile, smoothly integrated air vents and redesigned ventilation controls. The dashboard adds a more contemporary appearance, and benefits overall ergonomics, Honda says.

A key update to the standard specification of the Brio sedan and hatch Comfort models is the addition of Bluetooth connectivity, which allows seamless and safe hands-free telephony using Bluetooth-compatible cellphones, as well as Bluetooth-based audio streaming.

An earlier update added a rear window demister to both the Brio sedan and hatch Trend models, while the Brio hatch Comfort also gained a rear wiper and a smart tailgate spoiler.

Same 1.2-litre

All Brio models continue to be powered by Honda’s frisky and frugal 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine. Rated at 65kW/109Nm, the fuel-injected unit drives the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. A five-speed automatic transmission is optional on Comfort models.

Also standard across the board is a full range of active and passive safety features, including ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), dual front airbags, and front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters. Central locking and an engine immobiliser are included, too.

READ: Brio sedan: Friend of the family

The updated Honda Brio models go on sale in May through Honda’s national network of authorised dealers.

Pricing

Brio Hatch 1.2 Trend  - R144 300
Brio Hatch 1.2 Comfort - R158 300
Brio Hatch 1.2 Comfort Auto - R171 300
Brio Sedan 1.2 Trend - R157 400
Brio Sedan 1.2 Comfort - R168 600
Brio Sedan 1.2 Comfort Auto - R181 600

The recommended retail pricing includes a five-year or 200 000km warranty, a two-year or 30 000km service plan, as well as three years AA Roadside Assistance.